MY LIFE MY CHOICE A newsletter produced for the dominant purpose of educating and raising awareness of the need for voluntary assisted dying law reform in Queensland — No.16 September 2020

NQ MP puts VAD on the agenda Inquiry chair hosts online Q&A session Recently I was in with Everald Compton, campaign leader for Dying With Dignity Queensland, to take part in an online public information forum arranged by the Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper.

Aaron has represented the people of Thuringowa for the Labor Party since 2015 and chaired the cross-party Health Committee Inquiry that made recommendations for VAD laws Strong local interest for our state. Media coverage of Aaron Harper’s

I deliberately choose to use the online public information forum term “represented the people of on VAD reflected strong local Thuringowa” rather than say he Aaron Harper MP fronts the media before his online VAD forum interest in the issue. Townsville’s has “held the seat” or use some print, radio, and television outlets end-of-life laws Professor Ben passionate support for VAD law other term or expression. all carried stories about the event White, and well-known VAD reform. and Mr Harper was congratulated By arranging an online public advocates from Townsville, Marj It is MPs who support VAD, like for staging the forum to give locals forum on voluntary assisted dying Lawrence and Joan Musumeci. a chance to hear the facts on VAD. Aaron Harper, that we must he is meeting his responsibility to The event was very successful keep in our parliament and that give his constituents a chance to and should be repeated by other is why every voter who wants gain basic facts and information MPs and candidates seeking to to see voluntary assisted dying about this vital issue and to allow serve their communities in the laws in Queensland needs to them to question him and others next Queensland Parliament. find out before heading to a who made up the online panel. polling booth on 31 October Aaron Harper set a benchmark where their own would-be MP Those answering questions for other MPs and candidates. included Everald and me, as well stands on VAD. as Andrew Denton from Go His work in chairing the end-of- Gentle, Dr Sid Finnigan from life inquiry that recommended David Muir Doctors for Assisted Dying VAD laws should be recognised Chair Choice, Brisbane-based expert in along with his ongoing and The Clem Jones Trust

Pro-VAD Former NZ Vic MPs deputy PM caught backs ‘yes’ up in party WA MP’s speech case at Greens candidate shows his colours infighting you must read referendum

INSIDE: Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 6

You can follow us on Facebook @mlmcaus and Twitter @mlmcaus MPs and candidates face VAD quiz Simple questions show who backs VAD and who doesn’t The My Life My Choice coalition is quizzing QUESTION 1: Do you, as a matter of all MPs and candidates standing at the principle support the right of coming Queensland election to find out who Queenslanders to have the choice of supports voluntary assisted dying and who seeking access to a system of doesn’t. voluntary assisted dying under As Queensland approaches the 31 October appropriate protections and state election, voters who want to see VAD safeguards, if they have a terminal laws in our state need to know which of illness or neurological condition their would-be MPs will support a VAD Bill causing them intolerable suffering? in the 2020-2024 parliament.

Our questions will be seeking answers to QUESTION 2: Would you, as an MP in two very simple questions. the Queensland Parliament ensure your vote on a VAD Bill reflects the The first asks candidates to state their in- wishes of your constituents? principle views on VAD and does not require them to have seen the Bill being drafted by the Queensland Law Reform Commission. ASK YOUR OWN QUESTIONS: Sitting MPs and candidates are already The second question will help determine the taking to the streets to promote strength of their commitment to reflecting themselves. If you see any of them in the views of their constituents on the issue. your neighbourhood, ask them directly

about their views on VAD. We look forward to bringing you the results before the election .

Pro-VAD Vic MPs targeted in Liberal Party infighting Alleged infighting for control of the had voted for the state’s VAD Victorian branch of the Liberal Party has laws in 2017. reportedly included efforts to punish some state parliamentarians who voted for Allegations about the activities of the voluntary assisted dying laws. “religious Right” in the Victorian Liberal Party echo claims made in Media outlets including the Network Nine’s Queensland by the former LNP 60 Minutes and The Age and Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey. newspapers (pictured) have aired claims of “branch stacking” in the party. As reported in the May 2020 edition of this newsletter, Ms Stuckey who The stories included claims that the so- quit politics this year has publicly questioned called “religious right” had been attempting the behaviour of the “religious Right” in the “Every group has a right to lobby to rid the party of moderate MPs through LNP, saying those with conservative religious those who have the power to the recruitment of “religious Right” branch views “are very vocal and try to sway others legislate decisions and policy. Jann Stuckey members who would vote against them in to their beliefs and thinking”. party preselections. “However, what I have seen in recent years “I have experienced this on more than one could be described as intimidating behaviour ABC News reported that a secretly recorded occasion, sometimes in a mild-mannered towards elected representatives, coupled exchange revealed plans by some Liberal way and other times with considerable with extensive advertising and powerbrokers to “get rid of” four MPs who forcefulness,” she said. campaigning,” Ms Stuckey said.

Anyone standing “It is clear that the people of the Nedlands electorate overwhelmingly for election must support this Bill. It is also clear that they expect me to read this speech represent their wishes in this House.” As part of the debate that saw the West Australian Parliament pass Jos Hall Bill Marmion MP voluntary assisted dying laws last President Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member for Dying With Dignity year, a senior member of the Nedlands — WA Parliament 3 September 2019 opposition Liberal Party spoke of Queensland the reasons he was backing the www.dwdq.org.au government’s Bill. not been painful,” he noted. about 70% of people in his although it could reduce pain

Bill Marmion, deputy leader of the Mr Marmion canvassed arguments Nedlands seat supported VAD associated with death in the opposition and Member for the for and against VAD and admitted but wanted hard data so he majority of instances, there Perth-based seat of Nedlands said he was concerned “about the path commissioned research based were times when that was not the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill this Bill takes our society” which on three questions (see box). the case. 2019 was “the most confronting was why WA MPs needed “to give The results showed: “This Bill is about providing and difficult piece of legislation” he the matter and the wording of  97.6% of respondents knew those people who have a had to consider in his then 11 years the Bill our utmost and careful what VAD was; terminal disease or illness the as an MP. consideration”.  85.5% thought VAD should choice to decide whether they He said the Bill was a “landmark He said he previously suspected be legalised for the wish to access voluntary piece of legislation” challenging a terminally ill; and assisted dying,” he concluded. range of philosophical notions  82.1% wanted him to vote THREE KEY QUESTIONS: “It is clear that the people of “including ethical, political, let “yes” on the VAD Bill. the Nedlands electorate alone cultural and religious”. Q1: Do you know what overwhelmingly support this voluntary assisted dying is? Mr Marmion said the results Mr Marmion recalled his own 93- showed his constituents wanted Bill. Q2: Do you think VAD should be year-old father’s relatively peaceful VAD laws, they wanted him to legalised and available to a “It is also clear that they expect death just a month prior to the support them, and he needed to patient who desires a painless me to represent their wishes in debate. He also reflected on the ensure the new law included termination and where a doctor this House,” Mr Marmion said. deaths of friends or relatives and controls and safeguards around has confirmed they have only six work colleagues. the operation of new laws. to 12 months to live? READ THE HANSARD TEXT

“I have been very lucky to have Q 3: Would you like to see your He acknowledged the need for OF THE DEBATE ON THE WA been around death only in local MP support or oppose VAD improvements to WA’s system PARLIAMENT’S WEBSITE circumstances in which passing has legislation for WA? of palliative care but also said

Supporters answer NQ church leader

The Catholic Bishop of Townsville, the The published letters show the value of Most Reverend Timothy Harris, entered answering opponents of VAD, especially the VAD debate again recently with a those who use spurious arguments. letter to the editor in the Townsville Unfortunately many church leaders do Bulletin claiming VAD laws were not not want to give Queenslanders the needed. choice of accessing a regulated voluntary He argued that a VAD system would assisted dying scheme. “condition” people to accept it as a way to end their lives. The arguments and objections they raise have invariably been answered by He also made the discredited claim that successive lengthy, detailed, open, and better palliative care is the answer — public parliamentary inquiries such as even though it has been shown that those in Victoria, Western , POLL SHOWS palliative care does not address the and now Queensland that have all CHURCHGOERS suffering of all terminally ill people or recommended VAD laws. WANT VAD those with neurodegenerative conditions. See page 5 The only argument most church leaders These and other points were made in are left with is this: because we don’t several pro-VAD readers including letters want VAD, you can’t have a better choice by well-known local DWDQ campaigner at the end of life. Marj Lawrence on 1 September, a 28 The ongoing need to expose and rebut August letter by Dr Malcolm Parker from such arguments is now more important Doctors for Assisted Dying Choice — part than ever. letters 1 September (top) and 28 of the My Life My Choice coalition. JOS HALL August (bottom)

DEBATE SET TO START

Tasmanian family backs VAD Bill Mike Gaffney’s End-of-Life The family of a Hobart woman who took her own Choices (Voluntary Assisted life in the absence of voluntary assisted dying is Dying) Bill 2020 was tabled in calling for law reform. Tasmania’s Legislative Council on Thursday 27 August 20. Their plea comes as Tasmanian MP Mike Gaffney Its Second Reading debate is has tabled his Private Member’s Bill in a bid to due on 15 September. enact voluntary assisted dying in the state. You can watch debate via the The 64-year-old woman identified in media parliament’s livestreaming reports only as Trish at her family’s request was webpage. diagnosed in 2019 with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

The rare but fatal disorder progressively shuts Helen, Graeme, and Trish down a patient’s physical capacities including their From ABC News TASSIE SENATOR ability to see, swallow, and breathe. Helen said her mother did not want anyone implicated SUPPORTS Trish, an active supporter of Dying With Dignity in her death because of the risk they might face Tasmania, ended her own life early this year. prosecution. FOR NEW LAW Her husband Graeme and daughter Helen were in "She had to do it while she still had her decision- the family home when Trish took her life, but making capabilities, because Tasmanian Senator Jacqui were not in her presence and to avoid possible she had to do it alone,” she said. Lambie says she wants to see prosecution both deemed it necessary to take the Gaffney VAD Bill passed. steps to record the fact they had not assisted her. She said the experience of her mother’s death was extremely Senator Lambie (pictured) Graeme told ABC News it would have made a traumatic. entered the VAD debate by difference if his wife had been able to choose rejecting faith-based arguments voluntary assisted dying. But she and her father hoped against voluntary assisted dying. their story would encourage "Just having had that legal framework and the Tasmanian MPs to support "I respect people of faith - I am support would have completely changed things," Mike Gaffney’s VAD Bill. one myself," she was quoted as he said. Mike Gaffney saying.

"Religious people worry that Ex-pollie says it’s not about ‘being a burden’ these laws could make older people feel like they are a A former New Zealand deputy dismissed as “being a burden”. burden." prime minister, Sir Michael “I do not want my only choice Cullen, has urged a “yes” vote for being to die in a near-comatose the countries proposed VAD Act state on morphine, which has at next month’s national been administered knowing it will referendum. shorten my life anyway. Sir Michael, a former Labour Party “I do not want to lose control of finance minister, has been "You cannot honour my bodily functions so that my diagnosed with terminal lung and the preciousness of a dignity has disappeared with the liver cancer. person by compelling ebbing of my life. them to die on your terms He was reported as saying that Sir Michael Cullen “When I reach those last stages, if instead of theirs." despite “excellent” palliative care “I have carefully read the End of that is the prospect, I want the in New Zealand, he was concerned Senator Lambie said evidence Life Choice Act. It provides choice to be able to decide when about dignity and control in his from Victoria and Western safeguards against pressure the time is right to complete the final days and wanted the choice Australia showed there wasn't a coming on the dying person circle of life.” to be able to decide when it was rush of people to make use of

from others,” he said. voluntary assisted dying laws right for his life to end. NZ postpones “Its scope is limited. It does not once they were enacted. “Our good people in the hospice force any medical professional vote on VAD Act movement provide excellent end- "Most people still want to hang against their conscience. It of-life care for many,” he said. on to life for as long as they respects the rights of those who The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the New Zealand can," she said. “We are told our pain can be find assisted euthanasia morally Government to postpone controlled to a tolerable level. abhorrent. Senator Lambie said Christianity the election previously required its followers to honour “This will suit many of us. But for “But it offers to people like me scheduled for September at the dignity of life. many others, myself included, the chance of finishing the life I which voters were to be there is an overriding issue of have enjoyed so much in a way asked to approve or reject "To be consistent, that has to control and dignity.” consistent with my moral beliefs proposed VAD laws. The NZ mean honouring the dignity of a and my sense of the dignity of Parliament passed a VAD life at its end," she said. Sir Michael said he had read NZ’s human life.” law subject to approval by "You cannot honour the End of Life Choice Act that would voters at a referendum. The Sir Michael said his support for preciousness of a person by be put to voters at the coming vote will now be held at VAD and the proposed NZ law compelling them to die on your referendum and was confident the elections on 17 October. law was sound. was not about what opponents terms instead of theirs."

QUESTION: Voluntary assisted dying laws allow a person in the Polling shows late stages of advanced disease to take medication prescribed by a doctor that will bring about their death at a time they choose. Currently the laws in Queensland do not permit this. Do church leaders you support or oppose the law being changed in Queensland to allow voluntary assisted dying?

out of touch RELIGION SUPPORT OPPOSE DON’T VAD VAD KNOW The coming state election Earlier this year the Clem Jones No religion 85 5 10 campaign will see an increase in Group commissioned market anti-VAD activity in a bid by research by the YouGov polling Catholic 68 16 16 opponents to frighten MPs and firm that proves the point. Anglican 79 11 11 candidates and erode the 70- It shows that even among Uniting Church 83 6 11 80% community support for respondents identifying as /Presbyterian new laws. Catholics support for VAD is 68% Other Christian 57 31 13 We can expect a lot of scare overall with 60% support from Other religion 72 7 21 tactics and the usual misleading those further identifying as claims from church leaders who practising Catholics and 73% PRACTISING OR SUPPORT OPPOSE DON’T claim to speak on behalf of their among non-practising Catholics. NON-PRACTISING VAD VAD KNOW congregation but clearly do not. The poll results show similar Practising Catholic 60 24 16 It stands to reason that with high levels of support among Non-practising Catholic 73 11 16 support for VAD at 70-80% many other faiths, with 79% of people of faith are also VAD Anglicans backing VAD and 83% Practising non-Catholic 54 33 13 supporters. support among those identifying Christian as Uniting Church or Non-practising non- 83 6 11 Market research conducted in Presbyterian. Catholic Christian February but only released recently shows this to be the It’s quite clear that those case. It shows that church speaking from the pulpit against Polling of 1,020 Queenslanders conducted for the Clem Jones leaders and church hierarchies VAD are not reflecting the views Group by YouGov from 31 January to 5 February 2020. The using anti-VAD arguments based of those sitting in the pews in survey was representative of the Queensland voter population on dogma are well out of step front of them. with a combination of quotas and weighting to ensure the with their own congregations. DAVID MUIR sample matches ABS statistics. Some figures rounded in tables.

Victoria releases latest oversight report

The latest report by the applicants for VAD were aged Some extracts from the Victorian Voluntary Assisted government body overseeing between 32 and 100 with an the working of Victoria’s average age of 71. Dying Review Board’s report...... voluntary assisted dying laws Of all those issued with a VAD shows 124 people chose to end permit and who subsequently Many people – including some family members who were their lives under the system in died, 78% had a malignancy initially opposed to voluntary assisted dying – expressed its first year. diagnosis and 22% had a non- gratitude that they were able to say goodbye to their loved ones. Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted malignant diagnosis including a “It was a beautiful, peaceful death. Was absolutely a pleasant Dying Act took effect from 19 neurodegenerative disease. and calm process which gave me so much relief to see her go so June last year. Its operation is serenely.” – applicant’s contact person The chair of the Review Board overseen by the Voluntary and retired judge, Betty King, Assisted Dying Review Board. said it was clear from applicant Loss of autonomy was frequently cited by applicants as a reason The board’s latest report statements that VAD was about for requesting voluntary assisted dying. showed that in the year since “their personal choice, having “I wish to die in my own home and wish to have some control the start of the new law: control, and maintaining dignity over my death. I do not wish to live as a vegetable in my own  341 applicants were in their death”. body. I have a condition for which there is no cure” – applicant deemed eligible for VAD at “However, a number of people the first assessment stage, Other reasons for accessing VAD which were commonly reported expressed concern about a lack  297 applicants eligible at included being less able to engage in activities that make life of support by doctors or health the second assessment enjoyable, losing control of body functions, and loss of dignity. services opposed to VAD,” she stage, “My reason is my brain tumours and I know I will become said. “We remind doctors there  incapacitated with my motor skills and seizures. I would 231 VAD permits issued, is a way to decline support, rather a natural death but it does not seem likely” – applicant  124 confirmed deaths. without causing additional

As expected, a number of distress to the applicant and approved applicants chose not their family.” No deaths were considered reportable to the coroner. “A beautiful passing; there were candles and music, he told a to proceed with the VAD The report identified other areas process or died before the joke before taking the medication and followed the medication for improvement including in with a drink of port. It was the way he wanted to go” – contact process was completed. the processing of permit person The report also showed that applications.

MPs and candidates hold the key Voters will back those who will back VAD laws

Recently I took part in a very useful and informative public forum on VAD arranged by Aaron Harper,

the state MP representing the North Queensland electorate of Thuringowa who chaired the Health Committee Inquiry that recommended VAD laws for our state.

David Muir of the Clem Jones Group has suffering persist and already mentioned the forum on the first are unable to be page of this newsletter. relieved in about 15% of people in Leaving aside Mr Harper’s track record as the period leading the chair of the historic inquiry that put up to death. VAD laws on the legislative table, the Inability to control all suffering forum was a very sensible and at end of life is recognised by a majority of worthwhile initiative by a local MP. doctors with 2016 polling by the leading I believe it would be beneficial to our whole medical journal Australian Doctor 2016 work and that the so called “slippery slope” community if more MPs and candidates revealing two out of three supported VAD law reform. arguments by VAD opponents have no basis. seeking election to our State Parliament on 31 October took an interest in the issue of In-depth parliamentary inquiries including Those seeking to represent their fellow voluntary assisted dying. those in Victoria and West Australia as well Queenslanders in our next State Parliament should know that they will secure voter Reliable polls consistently showing four out as the cross-party inquiry here in support if they back VAD laws. of five Queenslanders are in favour of laws Queensland chaired by Mr Harper — have to allow rational terminally ill people with unequivocally shown that a significant Voters in turn need to satisfy themselves that unremediable suffering to voluntarily number of people have non-remediable the people they choose to represent them choose the timing and circumstances of end-of-life suffering leading to extremely truly reflect their views on this important their own end of life. poor quality of death and, in the absence issue. of a legal alternative, terminally ill people It is vital that politicians and the wider are taking distressing and lonely actions to Dr Sid Finnigan MBBS, FRANZCO community understand that even with the end their own suffering. Queensland Convenor most expert palliative care, the Australian Doctors For Assisted Dying Choice Palliative Care Outcome Collaboration Copious evidence now exists to clearly

figures show that severe symptoms of demonstrate that safeguards in VAD laws

Candidate says Check out who’s who in your electorate where he stands Anyone wanting to quiz your seat by visiting their have declared their plans to The Greens’ candidate in the candidates standing in their websites: seek office.

Gold Coast seat of Theodore has electorate about their stand They include John Connolly in declared his full backing for VAD on VAD but don’t know which  LNP the seat of Maroochydore, laws in Queensland. seat they live in can check  Labor Party Claire Richardson in Oodgeroo their address on the Electoral  The Greens in the Redlands district, and John Woodlock said he had Commission of Queensland  One Nation Margaret Keech in Macalister. been a member of Dying With  website. Katter’s Australian Dignity Queensland for several Party VAD supporter and the years and one reason he had To find the contact details of  NQ First Independent MP for Noosa, joined the Greens was its policy your sitting local MP, check Sandy Bolton, is also seeking supporting VAD. the Queensland Parliament’s In addition a number of re-election. website. independent candidates “I have read accounts of You can find candidates people dying for the parties standing in who suffered terribly because John Woodlock this legislation was not in place and I would not want anyone to have to experience a death of fear, [email protected] www.dwdq.org.au www.drs4assisteddyingchoice.org anguish and pain unnecessarily The My Life My Choice monthly newsletter is produced by the Clem Jones Group, Dying With Dignity where palliative care can no Queensland, and Doctors For Assisted Dying Choice (Qld) for the dominant purpose of educating and longer help.” raising awareness of voluntary assisted dying.

Authorised: J Hall 77 Benson Street, Toowong, Qld 4066